Celebration's Elders Our Elders are a group of godly men who lead Celebration according to scripture, prayer and vision.
		Jeff Beverly e-mail Jeff			Jim Moore e-mail Jim
		Chuck Perry e-mail Chuck			Robert Russell e-mail Robert
		Tom Sartain e-mail Tom			Tim Smith e-mail Tim
		Dave Spear e-mail Dave
The word elder, presbyteros , refers to an "overseer" in the local church. According to Scripture, the elder or "overseer" is given the grave responsibility of directing the spiritual dynamics of that church. Paul suggests a plurality of leadership in that there are several elders in each church (Acts 20:17,28). Phil. 1:1, for example, mentions elders and deacons serving alongside one another in the church at Philippi. It is obvious that Paul is speaking of a different role and function than the singular diocesan "bishop" who, in some denominational structures, supervises multiple congregations. The Duties of An Elder (1 Timothy 5:17) "Direct the affairs of the church" is literally "preside over" or "rule" proestotes . It was the responsibility of these church officials to supervise the work of a local congregation. Highest honor is to be given to those whose "work is preaching and teaching." We should not assume that practical matters do not come up for review, however, we can infer that the duties of an elder are primarily spiritual in nature. The Qualifications of An Elder (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9) 1. Above Reproach - Literally it means "not to be laid hold of." N.J.D. White says it describes "one against whom it is impossible to bring any charge of wrong doing such as could stand impartial examination." 2. The Husband of One Wife - Most commentators agree that this statement is in response to the rampant polygamy of the day. In other words, the elder is to have only one wife at one time, and he is to be completely faithful to his wife. 3. Temperate - In classical Greek this meant "not mixed with (influenced by) wine." 4. Self-Controlled - Means "of sound mind" and carries the idea of sober in thought. 5. Respectable - Literally it means "with modesty." The basic meaning is honorable. 6. Hospitable - Literally it means "loving strangers" and carries the idea of befriending those who are unknown to the congregation. 7. Able To Teach - W. E. Vine shares this helpful comment: "Not merely a readiness to teach, but the spiritual power to meditate upon the Word of God and apply it." 8. Not Given To Much Wine - The last four words mean, "linger beside the cup" and refers to one who spends inordinate amounts of time and money in the consumption of alcohol. 9. Not Violent - This qualification is connected with the preceding one. The person who drinks too much is apt to become involved in drunken brawls. 10. Gentle - This word is translated "sweet reasonableness" and refers to one who is gracious and looks for ways of peace. 11. Not Quarrelsome - Literally it means "noncombatant." The metaphorical sense is "not contentious." 12. Not a Lover Of Money - The love of money (cf. 6:10) is one of the greatest distractions to Christian service. The consuming love of money diverts attention from the work of the ministry. 13. Manages His Own Family - The elder's children must be obedient and respectful. This implies several subpoints: (1) The elder would normally be married. (2) If the elder cannot manage his own family, how can he be expected to manage the myriad concerns of the church family? 14. Not a Recent Convert - Literally it means "not newly planted." Why the prohibition? There is a danger that such a person may "become conceited" and filled with pride. There is an equal danger that a new convert would lack understanding as to the role of the church and the basics of Christian living. 15. A Good Reputation with Outsiders - When a leader has a poor reputation in the community, he brings disgrace to the local church and to the cause of Christ. The Selection of An Elder (Titus 1:5) Titus was deliberately left behind to carry out a specific assignment: "Straighten out what was left unfinished." The verb "straighten out" means to set things in order. The initial duty was to "appoint elders in every town." Thus, in every place where believers gathered, Titus was to appoint, "to set down, to put in charge" those who met the qualifications of elder. "As I directed you" is emphatic, stressing Paul's apostolic authority. The application for the modern church is profound; those in authority should place others in authority. A look through the Pauline epistles reveals this schematic: The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:2) For our purposes at Celebration Church , selection of elders is based on a biblical and congregational two-fold process: (1) Nomination of new elders by the existing elder board, (2) Affirmation by the entire congregation